“When you’re drowning you don’t think, I would be incredibly pleased if someone would notice I’m drowning and come and rescue me. You just scream.”
― John Lennon

I have been drowning. I have been at what felt like the bottom of a thousand seas in that dark alone place where it seems that the light of day will never touch your face again.

Thankfully I have never had to be in that place for long. Inevitably and almost without fail there have been hands that have reached down out of seemingly nowhere to help me out into the sun. Often those hands have come in the form of something that a friend, loved one or counselor has said that resonates with me, that ignites a spark of fight somewhere inside me.

While on my journey I have surrounded myself with things that I see every day that remind me of the positive that life holds and of the power within the words we share.

On the wall at the foot of my bed I have a picture I see every morning that reads “Make It Happen”. As you go down my stairs, hung where my son can also be subtly told, is the gift from a friend that reads “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says “I’m possible”!.

This continues in my living room where I have decals that read “Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much”. At Christmas I received a special gift from one of my friends. It was a necklace and although my friend knew I loved the present I don’t think she realizes how much it has impacted me when I have needed it the most. It has 3 pendants that read “Life Is TOUGH but I am TOUGHER”, “STRENGTH” and “COURAGE”.

When I see these words it helps to stoke this feeling of power inside me. It helps to stir this knowledge that not only can I do this but that I am not alone in my fight.

Another amazing gift that I have been given is my ability to share my words with all of you and the response that I have been given that the things I am choosing to say are helping to inspire, encourage or remind others in their time of need. So often we don’t get a chance to hear about the impact we have had on other people and it is that feedback that helps to fuel what I love doing most.

All of you have experienced that same power that positive words have. You’ve seen your child’s face when you praise them. You’ve been hugged by that friend when you’ve told them how much you care. Your words of encouragement when helping someone reach a goal have been heard, appreciated and often returned.

Recently I have been through some extremely emotionally trying times. I found myself repeating constantly that I was never going to be a victim again. Then after a very deep and self-reflective session with my counselor I realized that my statement needed to change. I no longer use the word “victim” as it implies that I am still in that moment of need.

Instead I choose the word SURVIVOR.

That words implies empowerment, achievement and ability to overcome. Yes, I am a survivor. I am never going to back down from my challenges. I will not stand down in the face of adversity. I choose instead to be that tiger and to fight and claw through anything standing in my way no matter what the situation is.

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing I want you all to know that I appreciate and care about every one of you. I hope that you are all saying what needs to be said and hearing what it is you need to hear.

Love D.